The 2007 Domaine de la Janasse Cuvee Chaupin was the winning bottle in the May Installment of Pick My Next Bottle. The wine was decanted for one hour and served with steaks off the grill.
Domaine de la Janasse is located in Courthezon, in the Southern Rhone Valley, and it is one of the region’s brightest stars. The Sabon family has been growing grapes in the valley for several generations, but it wasn’t until 1973 that Aime Sabon began making wine under the name Domaine de la Janasse. The wines became truly noteworthy in the 1990s, after Aime’s son Christophe graduated from oenology college in Beaune and returned to the domaine bringing new ideas about wine production and viticulture. Janasse owns 136 acres of vineyards divided into 15 parcels, and also makes Cotes du Rhone and white wines.
Chaupin is 100% Grenache from century old vines.
Magenta in color. 15.5% ABV. Show-stopping nose of red and black fruits, garrigue and flowers. Full bodied with perfect acidity and notable balance. Rich and ripe with tremendous texture and mouth feel. Raspberry compote, kirsch liqueur, blackberries and roasted herbs on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Another ’07 CdP that for my money has gotten better over time. Best over the next 4-6 years.
My rating: 96 points.
Current vintages of Janasse Chaupin will set you back about $85.